1.5 Utility software + look at test ms

Question 1

What is utility software

Answer 1

Software used to maintain the computer system

Question 2

Types of Utility system software

Answer 2

Encryption software

Defragmentation

Data compression

Question 3

Explain how encryption software works

Answer 3

Encryption utilities uses an algorithm to scramble plain text into cipher text . This is so that it cannot be read if the data is stolen

The intended reader is given the ‘key’ that allows them to decrypt the data and turn it back into its original form, so it can be made readable again

Question 4

Identify utilities or features the operating system may provide to help protect someone’s personal data

Answer 4

Encryption software

Question 5

How is an encrypted email message sent and received?

Answer 5

• The original message is scrambled using a large digital number/key.
• The receiver will use the key to unscramble and then receive the original message.

Question 6

14. What is a disadvantage of always sending encrypted messages?

Answer 6

• Takes longer for messages to be sent/received since it needs to be scrambled and then unscrambled.
• A digital certificate is required as it contains part of the key/special code.

Question 7

What does defragmentation do?
What is the function/purpose of defragmentation

Answer 7

Defragmentation utilities reorganize files on a hard disk, putting fragments of files back together, and it collected together free space

Question 8

What are the effects of defragmenting a hard disk/computer

Answer 8

This reduces the movement of a read/write head across the surface of the disk, which speeds up file access

Question 9

What types of drivers should not be defragmented

Answer 9

Solid state drives should not be defragmented.

Question 10

Why should solid state drives not be defragmented

Answer 10

Solid state drives should not be defragmented.

It is unnecessary as they have no moving parts

Solid state drives have limited read/write cycles so defragmentation also reduces their lifespan.

Question 11

Explain how defragmentation software could overcome the issue of the slow computer system

Answer 11

• Files on the hard disk drive are moved
• Empty spaces collected together
• Files are moved to be stored together
• Fewer disc accesses are needed

Question 12

State the function of compression utilities

Answer 12

Compression utilities reduce the size of a file so that it takes up less space, and is quicker to download over The Internet

Question 13

What must be done to compressed files before they can be read

Answer 13

Compressed files must be extracted (decompressed/unzipping) before they can be read

Question 14

State two things that can happen to files during compression

Answer 14

Depending on the algorithm used, data is either lost (during the compression), reducing the quality of an image or sound e.g. JPEG,

or represented in a different way using binary, retaining the original data in a new, compressed format e.g. Zip (look at example below)

Question 15

Give two reasons why the library should use encryption.

Answer 15

Data cannot be understood if intercepted // The
data will be meaningless
* So that only authorised users can access the
confidential material // protect